Jags Win Final Minute Thriller at UNCP, 66-62

Jags Win Final Minute Thriller at UNCP, 66-62

PEMBROKE, N.C. – Down by one with 40 seconds left in regulation, the Augusta Jaguars made six free throws, with four coming from junior Keith Crump, as the Jags held off the UNC Pembroke Braves 66-62 on Wednesday night in the English E. Jones Center for a Peach Belt Conference victory.

In the last 25 meetings between Augusta (11-7, 7-4 PBC) and UNCP (10-10, 4-7 PBC), the score has been decided by seven points or less. The win is the second for the Jags over the Braves this season.

The Braves shot better from the floor with a 37.9 field-goal percentage to Augusta's 33.9 percent, but Augusta made 17-of-19 free throws (89.5 percent) while the Braves missed 16 free throws (17-of-33).

Augusta junior Keith Crump, freshman Aaron Byrd, and sophomore Keshun Sherrill scored 11 points. Freshman Tyvez Monroe grabbed 12 rebounds and scored eight points, while senior Tommy Williams grabbed 10 boards with seven points.

Freshman Deane Williams chipped in nine points and six boards. Augusta forced UNCP into 13 turnovers while posting nine as a team.

The Jags held a 10-point advantage at halftime with freshman Aaron Byrd scoring nine quick points including a buzzer-beating three pointer at the half. Junior starting point guard Keshun Sherrill picked up two quick fouls which led the way for Byrd to take over point-guard duties in the first half.

To start the night, Augusta senior Tommy Williams hit a jumper on the first Jaguar shot attempt. Possessing the lead the entire first 20 minutes of play, Augusta led by as much as 13 – shooting 40 percent from the floor to UNCP's 26.1 field-goal percentage.

The Braves' Brandon Winford made two free throws with six minutes to go in the opening half that brought the Braves within nine. The Jags held the advantage and Byrd's shot from downtown at the buzzer put them up 33-22.

The Braves responded in the second half and outscored Augusta 40-33, but the Jags made 13-of-13 free throws in the second half and UNCP only hit nine of 17.

Down 61-60 with 40 seconds left, Augusta stole the lead on Sherrill's two free throws. Crump eventually got to the free-throw line and made four in the closing minute to hold off the Braves.

Augusta University Athletics is proud to welcome 500 soldiers from Fort Gordon Military base who will fill the stands of Christenberry Fieldhouse on Saturday, Jan. 30 as Augusta Athletics honors members of the United States Armed Forces with the annual Military Appreciation Day games during the Jaguars basketball doubleheader against Clayton State at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.jaguarsroar.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags

-- 30 --